By Kenneth Marcos 
Inspired by the Philippines’ success, Timor-Leste seeks to follow the DA-PCC model to build its own sustainable dairy carabao industry.
In a powerful show of regional collaboration, Timor-Leste is now looking to the Philippines for help in developing its dairy carabao industry — and the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) is ready to help lead the way.
The partnership officially began earlier this year when a technical team from Timor-Leste visited the DA-PCC national headquarters. During their visit, the delegates observed first-hand how carabao-based enterprises have uplifted farming communities in Nueva Ecija and Laguna. They saw the value of cooperative models where farmers are trained not only in carabao raising, but also in milk production, processing, and marketing.
The team was guided by DA-PCC Research and Development Chief Dr. Eric Palacpac, with coordination support from the DA International Affairs Division. The goal: to give Timor-Leste a deeper understanding of the Philippines’ community-driven, science-based approach to agricultural development.
ASEAN meeting sparks deeper talks
Momentum picked up further on October 1, during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) held at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.
There, DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad and DA-PCC at UPLB Center Director Dr. Thelma Saludes met with Timor-Leste’s Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Marcos Da Cruz, to discuss the potential for a formal technical collaboration.
According to officials, the partnership will soon be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries. The agreement will focus on technical assistance in areas like carabao breeding, dairy production, training programs, and technology transfer — all based on the proven model of the DA-PCC.
The initiative has the full backing of Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante J. Palabrica, highlighting the national government’s strong commitment to sharing Filipino agricultural expertise with neighboring nations.
A model for inclusive growth and food security
The Philippine Carabao Center is recognized across the ASEAN region for its role in transforming smallholder farmers into micro-entrepreneurs. By focusing on sustainable livestock farming, the DA-PCC has helped improve incomes, nutrition, and resilience in rural areas — a vision that Timor-Leste now hopes to adopt.
For Timor-Leste, which is working to strengthen its local food systems and reduce reliance on imports, the Philippine model offers a sustainable, farmer-centered solution.
This upcoming partnership not only strengthens diplomatic ties between the two countries but also emphasizes the value of regional cooperation in tackling shared challenges in food production and agricultural development.
Looking ahead
As both countries prepare to sign the MOU, expectations are high for what this collaboration can achieve — not just for farmers in Timor-Leste, but for the region as a whole.
Through the sharing of knowledge and experience, this partnership serves as a strong reminder: when nations work together, everyone benefits.
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